A home studio is the dream of many musicians. Having all of the necessary recording gear available any time of the day or night, and not having to pay to use it, can make recording a lot more convenient. A soundproof studio can allow the musician to produce recordings of a higher quality without disturbing family members in the process. One of the easiest ways to make a soundproof studio is with the use of foam.

There are many different types of soundproofing foam, both thick and thin. Most are made of polyurethane foam, although some are made of a foam and cloth blend, giving the panels more flexibility. Foam is applied to the walls of a studio, and effectively blocks all noise from either side. Other types are installed between wall panels. In addition to blocking noise, soundproofing foam also reduces echo, making recordings clearer.

For the best results, soundproofing foam should be applied in the walls of the studio, a task that is often best left to a professional. After that, apply echo-dampening foam to the outer part of the walls. Echo-reducing foam has a grooved or egg carton shape, and also helps to soundproof. This foam is thick, and is just adheres to the walls and ceilings of the studio. It is normally sold in panels, and there are special panels for doors.

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To further improve soundproofing, glass in windows should be replaced with sound-reducing glass. Any heater vents or other openings should be sealed and covered. Using carpeting is another great way to help create a soundproof studio, as it will prevent noise from lower levels and also decrease any sound from movement inside the studio, like footsteps. Studio foam can also be placed beneath the carpet.

As part of reducing noise inside the studio, the legs of tables and chairs should be tightened to prevent squeaking. The bottoms should also be covered to prevent noise if furniture is moved. There are special plastic covers for the bottoms of furniture that prevent noise, or, for a cheaper alternative, a tennis ball, cut open slightly to place the leg inside, can be used.

It is relatively easy to make a soundproof studio, although it can be costly. By completing the soundproofing yourself, it is possible to save money on installation costs. Be careful to read the instructions thoroughly before installing foam or other soundproofing materials to prevent costly re-dos, and consult with a professional to assess any problems before you begin setting up your own soundproof studio.

Discuss this Article

I thought this article was great reading and it gave me a few ideas myself. When building a house, you don't think of these things until it is placed right in front of you to read.

I can't thank you enough for your article, and I, for one, am going to put this to practice. Just wish I had thought of it before we built our house. Thank you for the great ideas.

surfNturfPost 1

I agree that hiring a professional to install the sound insulation is really important because if it is done wrong it can really be a headache.

I live in a condo building and the lady above me removed her carpeting in order to install hardwood floors. The problem is that she did not include sound proof foam when she had her floors installed and now whenever she pulls out a chair, I hear it.

When she walks across the floor, I also hear it. I guess this is what happens when you cut corners in your installation. Luckily she is out of the country most of the time, so I do get a break.

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